Gunmen allegedly attacked the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua and party chieftain Kenneth Imansuagbon in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State on Tuesday, with both leaders escaping without injury. The incident occurred while the duo were conducting political engagements in the area, according to reports.
Attack Details and Party Accusations
The ADC, in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, accused political loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of carrying out the attack. The party alleged that the assailants acted under the direction of Igueben Local Government Council Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe. Ojeikere claimed that Azemegbe led armed men who targeted the entourage on three separate occasions within the same day, first in Ward 4 and later in Ward 5 of the local government area.
One ADC supporter, Jerry Oliha from Ward 6, was not as fortunate. He was reportedly shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and was receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Hospital at the time of the report.
Broader Campaign of Violence Alleged
The ADC described the assault as part of a broader campaign of violence against opposition members across Edo State, citing alleged similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East Local Government Areas. The party said it had reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Igueben and called for a full investigation.
Council Chairman and Police Respond
Azemegbe rejected the allegation outright, saying he was not present in Igueben when the shooting occurred and only became aware of the incident after journalists contacted him. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said she could not immediately confirm the details of the incident but added that the police command would look into the matter once a formal report was submitted.
